When you run down the list of recent national champions, Stanford is not usually at the top of the list for most casual sports fans. But for the past 16 years, the Cardinal has laid claim to "the best college athletic program in the country". Stanford may not be the sports media darling, but by NCAA standards for balance, consistency, and the bottom line of winner - no one does it betterthan the folks in Palo Alto, California. And they do it with some of the most restrictive academic requirements in the country.

June 2010

Balance Called for in College Athletics

The growing interest by the public in college athletics as a spectator sport and rapid emergence of college events as a prime recipient of entertainment dollars may not be in line with the primary value of college activities.That conflict has caught the attention of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.The Commission is calling on NCAA institutions to "restore balance" between academic and athletics spending. The watchdog panel's report recommends a series of actions it hopes will lead to more fiscal responsibility.

June 2010

John Wooden, 1910-2010

The terms “legend” and “icon” are pretty strong indicators of the impact that an individual makes on the lives of those around him.Each seem to be too weak and ordinary, however, to accurately reflect the impact and the gravity of the life of John Wooden.

Nearly a century of time has been graced with presence of the Wizard of Westwood. Now that grace has moved on but the presence remains in the fabric of the lives he touched and the college game he loved.

It’s doubtful there is a coach anywhere in this country, and maybe the world, that hasn’t read, memorized, and/or internalized some phrase from the mentor of all mentors.

What are your personal memories?The stories seem to keep rolling in. All-American would like to know your best remembrances and the impact Wooden’s teachings, on and off the court, may have and continue to have on your life and your profession. Email your thoughts to ezine@allamericanpublishing.com.